Rajindra Campbell turns grief into triumph

When Rajindra Campbell launched the shot put 22.15 metres to secure the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, his sisters were moved to tears -- not just tears of joy, but tears of bittersweet remembrance. The 28-year-old made history by winning Jamaica's first medal at the 2024 Games, nearly 13 years to the day since his mother's passing.

"We started crying because it felt like the culmination of all our struggles," his sister, Malika Housen, shared with THE STAR. "It was bittersweet as we remembered our mother. It was the 13th anniversary of her passing, and this victory turned a day of mourning into one of celebration."

Campbell's mother, Beverly Palmer, died on August 5, 2011. At just 15 years old, Campbell was devastated by the loss. However, his father, Radcliffe Campbell, and his siblings came together to support one another through one of the darkest periods in their lives. "After our mother passed away, I took on a bigger role to ensure Rajindra could pursue his dreams," Housen said. "Financially, it was tough. We had to pool resources to get him to events, and sometimes he juggled part-time work with training. It was a challenge, but we made it work."

Born and raised in Bamboo, St Ann, Campbell was determined to become a world-class thrower. Initially excelling in cricket, he transitioned to shot put while attending Ferncourt High School and later Kingston College. His talent and determination earned him a place at Missouri Southern State University, where he became a standout thrower, earning the title of NCAA Division II National Field Athlete of the Year. Campbell's achievements included becoming the fifth-best performer in NCAA Division II history with a shot put mark of 19.99 metres, and winning the discus with a throw of 55.98 metres. In 2023, he set national records in both outdoor and indoor shot put events in Madrid.

Throughout his journey, the influence of his father and the memory of his late mother were ever-present, guiding him.

Campbell's older brother, Roderick, expressed immense pride in his brother's accomplishment, noting that it was a historic moment for Jamaica. "I was ecstatic when Rajindra won," Roderick recalled. "I kept reminding him to be confident before the competition. When I saw the final results, I was overwhelmed with joy. I cried tears of happiness and walked around my block shouting, 'History, history, history!'"

Roderick also highlighted the sacrifices his brother made to ensure the growth of his career. Despite his Olympic success, Campbell works part-time at a Domino's pizza outlet in the USA. The family has been instrumental in supporting his dreams, despite the financial strains they faced.

"We had to dig deep financially, and there were times when I wasn't sure how we'd make it. But seeing Rajindra achieve his goal makes it all worth it. It's a relief and a triumph for our family," Roderick said.